I’ve now read all of Brooks’ books except for Nine Parts of Desire. And I have loved every single one of them.

This particular book is a memoir that chronicles Brooks’ growing-up years. It is told through pen-pal letters and friendships she had with kids from all over the world.

As an adult, Brooks rediscovered those letters and decided to take it upon herself to track down all of her lost pen-pals.

Just like all of her other books, this one is extremely well-researched and documented. The descriptions are so vivid that they make me long to see, smell, and taste each and every part of the world she writes about.

Brooks has a remarkable ability to bring the world to life through her words, and this memoir is no exception. It is a captivating and engaging read that offers a unique perspective on growing up in a globalized world.

I have a great admiration for Brooks' writing style. This particular book is truly captivating, albeit a bit strange. It combines elements of autobiography and travel narrative, creating a unique and engaging read.

The description of growing up in 1950s Australia is both fascinating and thought-provoking. It offers a glimpse into a bygone era, filled with its own set of challenges and experiences. However, I couldn't help but wonder if the "letters" included in the book had been enhanced or embellished in some way.

Nonetheless, the tales of her pals and the various meetings she had along the way are not only interesting but also provide valuable insights. They add depth and texture to the overall story, making it a truly enjoyable and worthwhile read.

Overall, I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mix of personal reflection and travel adventure. It is sure to leave a lasting impression and perhaps even inspire readers to embark on their own journeys of self-discovery.

Growing up, I had a few pen pals of my own, which made this book especially dear to me. The way Brooks tells her memoir is truly remarkable. It is absolutely beautiful.

Her words paint vivid pictures in my mind, allowing me to experience her story as if I were right there with her. The details she includes bring the characters and events to life, making it easy to become emotionally invested in her journey.

Brooks' writing style is engaging and easy to follow, yet it also has a certain elegance and sophistication. I found myself completely immersed in her memoir, unable to put it down until I had finished reading every last page.

This book is not only a wonderful read, but it also serves as a reminder of the power of human connection and the importance of sharing our stories. I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys memoirs or is looking for an inspiring and thought-provoking read.

I read "March" approximately a year ago and absolutely adored it. Therefore, when I spotted this book in a thrift store for just a dollar, I snatched it up without hesitation.

This was a swift, no-nonsense memoir that, while not revolutionary, was still an enjoyable read. The "where are they now?" format she employed to write about her childhood pen pals was an intriguing approach. However, at certain moments, it seemed rather artificial. I think I would have preferred to learn less about the pen pals and more about Brooks herself.

Moreover, Brooks grew up in a Sydney suburb during the 1950s and 60s. Do you have any knowledge of Australian history during this period? I didn't, which made this book a highly informative read for me. And now, not only do I have a desire to visit Australia, but I also want to write to pen pals. It's amazing how a simple book can inspire such thoughts and aspirations within us.

An interesting and fun read awaits you from a great author. This piece of work is bound to captivate your attention from the very beginning. The author has a unique style of writing that makes the story come alive. You will be immersed in a world of vivid characters and exciting plot twists. Every page turn will leave you eager for more. Whether you are a fan of fiction or non-fiction, this read is sure to satisfy your literary cravings. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy this wonderful creation from a truly talented author.

Oh my god,

This book was truly and incredibly boring!

I had the intention to read it as I have had pen pals since I was ten and have even met some of them.

However, this book turned out to be extremely tedious!

It was not so much about the experience of meeting pen pals but rather a book filled with sixties nostalgia, a subject that I absolutely despise.

The narrative was the same old, and the liberal douche politics were equally boring.. . ugh!

Can I emphasize it again? ugh!

The only somewhat interesting person in the book was her Arab pal Mishal, yet she never really seemed that enthusiastic about him anyway.

In conclusion, I would highly recommend giving this book a pass!

As a young girl, I had the wonderful experience of having pen pals. This story really struck a chord with me as I could relate to it on many levels.

Unfortunately, over the years, I have lost track of all of my pen pals. However, the author of this piece does an excellent job in vividly描绘 how she grew and the valuable lessons she learned from each and every one of her pen friends.

It's truly fascinating to read about the different perspectives and cultures that her pen pals brought into her life. Through their letters, she was able to expand her horizons and gain a deeper understanding of the world around her.

I can't help but feel a sense of nostalgia as I read this story, remembering the excitement of receiving a letter in the mail from a faraway friend. It's a reminder of a simpler time when communication was more personal and meaningful.

Overall, this story is a beautiful tribute to the power of pen pal relationships and the impact they can have on our lives.

I have a great admiration for Geraldine Brooks. And truth be told, I had a certain fondness for this book as well. However, there is one aspect that I couldn't help but notice. The pen pal part, which was supposed to be the central selling point of the book, actually turned out to be a relatively small portion of what is essentially more of a memoir and a tribute to Brooks's late father.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about Brooks's childhood in Australia. But as I patiently waited for the pen pal section to take center stage, I ultimately ended up with the feeling that a significant part of the book was just filler. Moreover, when the pen pals finally did make their appearance, although they were interesting, they simply weren't substantial enough to be the main focus of the entire book.

Here's a suggestion: Considering what a highly talented novelist Ms. Brooks is, she should perhaps embark on writing a novel specifically about the adventure of tracking down pen pals. Because, when unconstrained by the limitations of reality, this is truly a remarkable concept. All in all, it's a quasi-recommended read.

This was an outstanding memoir.

It was presented through the framework of the author's teenage penpals, which added a unique and engaging element.

I thoroughly enjoyed delving into Australian history and getting a glimpse into Brooks' life as a journalist.

The themes of home and adventure were beautifully elucidated.

They made me stop and think about my own concept of home and the allure of adventure.

The memoir was not only informative but also highly thought-provoking.

It made me reflect on the importance of connection and the power of sharing stories.

I would highly recommend this memoir to anyone interested in history, journalism, or simply a good read.

It is a captivating and inspiring work that will stay with you long after you've turned the last page.

After having read 4 of Ms. Brooks' novels, I was truly intrigued and eager to explore her memoir.

I delved into it with great anticipation and completed it in less than 2 days!

The account of her childhood in Australia was captivating, painting a vivid picture of her early years.

Her life as a foreign correspondent also added an exciting dimension to the narrative.

However, what really stood out for me was the unique way she told her own story while seamlessly intertwining the tales of her 5 pen pals.

From the age of 11, throughout her teen and college years, these pen pals had been an important part of her life.

The way she described her efforts to reach out and ultimately meet these individuals, who lived all over the world, 26 years after the correspondence had ended, was truly inspiring.

It was a fascinating read that kept me engaged from start to finish, offering a glimpse into the author's remarkable life and the power of human connection.

Armchair travelling can be a wonderful experience, and this book takes readers on a journey to Australia, France, the USA, and Israel.

The writing is easy to read and deftly paved, ensuring that readers don't feel lost along the way.

Perhaps the author's life now is pleasant and at peace, without the angst and constant questioning that many of us experience.

But for me, the best part of this book was the relentless pursuit of that question: "Is that all there is?"

This question adds depth and meaning to the travelogue, making it more than just a description of different places.

It makes us think about our own lives and what we truly want from them.

Overall, this is a well-written book that offers both entertainment and food for thought.

Well written

It's a great choice for anyone who loves to travel or is looking for a bit of inspiration in their own life.

Makes me wonder what happened to my childhood penpal in New Zealand...

A delight of a coming-of-age memoir, drawing on Brooks' Australian 1960s childhood and her penpals. This memoir is truly a gem. It takes us on a journey through Brooks' formative years, painting a vivid picture of life in Australia during that era. We get to experience her changing perception of self, both how she saw herself and how others saw her. The meandering path that life can take us on is also explored, with all its unexpected twists and turns. In addition, Brooks delves into Australian politics, offering her unique perspective on the times. But perhaps most poignant is her understanding of her father, which evolves over the course of the memoir. It's a touching and engaging read that will leave you reflecting on your own childhood and the people who shaped it.

Makes me wonder what happened to my childhood penpal in New Zealand...